Sorry for my late response. I havn't been on the forum much--busy making knives!
Here is a link to the page on my old site.
http://www.caswellstudios.com/SwordPages/BodyPages/tools/Hydpress1.html
Jockeying a log-splitter valve is just a non-starter if you want to have meaningful control when the cross sections get small. I use drawing dies to about 1/2 to 5/8 square and the ram moves an inch a second, so a simple automation was required.
I replaced the log-splitter valve with a double acting hydraulic solenoid switch (essentially a valve that does the same thing, but allows you to use electric foot switches rather than a manual lever.)
Get one of those dual-switch foot controls. Set the thing up so if you push on one pedal the solenoid activates sending the ram down and if you push the other switch the ram goes up.
Now simply interrupt the 'down circuit' with a switch --- a limit switch-- and an adjustable time-delay relay. Now, when the 'down' footswitch is depressed, a projection off the ram triggers an adjustable limit switch. (It's adjustable so you can control the exact height the ram will travel). When the limit switch is hit, it actuate the time-delay relay for (in my case) 1 second. So the solenoid is revered for one second (even while you're still stepping on the down pedal) sending the ram up for one second, then the circuit reverts to normal and if you're still stepping on the down pedal, that means the press will reciprocate between your set perameters. Since my press moves an inch a second and I have a one-second time-delay relay, I get 2 seconds between full-squishes, which is fast enough for me.
It may sound complex, but it isn't. You just have to get the components together and think about it a little. Most of this stuff can be had on E-bay cheap.
It's a simple way to get big automated function.
Fred
